Monday, December 17, 2007

U.S. Team Applies the Brakes at Bali

Simple Numbers to Shape Climate Talks

Those "numbers" are 2C temperature rise, 445ppm CO2 and 25—40 percent reduction in global warming gases.

In the end, at U.S. insistence, none of those numbers appeared in the U.N. conference's key final document. But in the coming two years of crucial climate negotiations, as authorized at Bali, those simple numbers are sure to become chips in the high-stakes diplomatic, political and economic bargaining of almost 190 nations involved.

The U.S. team did well to resist the rush pell-mell to develop policy based on the IPCC report as the "science" underlying the report is seriously flawed:

  • Thermal energy gains not temperature increase should be the metric.
  • Methane emissions are mentioned in passing even though methane is a more potent greenhouse gas.
  • The IPCC models claim feedback mechanisms amplify human generated forcings. But, using their own data, it can be shown those mechanisms have muted the effects of human activity.
  • The models employed by the IPCC scientists have little predictive skill. As a consequence, the IPCC is currently rushing to 'fix' their models to account for the recently observed reductions in Arctic ice pack.

Given all the shortcomings in the IPCC report and the underlying science, one thing is certain: Any policy developed using the report as a basis is sure to be misdirected.

Tag: Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Blue Star Chronicles, Big Dog's Weblog, Cao's Blog, and Rosemary's Thoughts, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

He forgot the 'smilies'

Wis. Teacher Arrested for Blog Comment
Bloggers and free speech advocates are calling on prosecutors not to file charges against a teacher arrested for allegedly posting an anonymous comment online praising the Columbine shooters.
Some were disturbed by the post police say James Buss left on a conservative blog, but other observers said it was a sarcastic attempt to discredit critics of education spending.

It pays to remember text does not convey intent unless the intent is made explicit. Still, I think his was a boneheaded remark to make; although not criminal, hard to justify on any grounds. One would have thought a teacher would have better communication skills.

At the same time, I wonder if we would have the same fuss if the comment had appeared on a lefty blog.

Tag: Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, The Amboy Times, Big Dog's Weblog, Right Truth, Right Voices, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.